Assemblywoman Pheffer Amato Urges City to Keep Students at PS104Q Safe
Pheffer Amato calls on city Transportation Department (DOT) to conduct safety study
Assemblywoman's office meets with PS104 principal and parent leaders
Far Rockaway, Queens – Assemblywoman Stacey Pheffer Amato (D – Far Rockaway) meeting with the principal of PS 104Q along with parent leaders.
Far Rockaway, Queens - Responding to concerns over lack of safety measures surrounding PS 104Q, grades kindergarten through fifth, in Bayswater, Assemblywoman Stacey Pheffer Amato (D - Rockaway) is asking the city Department of Transportation to immediately conduct a thorough traffic study around the school and implement changes without delay.
PS 104Q, between Bay 25th Street and Bay 28th Street on Mott Avenue, saw its enrollment expand this year, increasing its population by over 200 students. According to the school, close to three quarters of its student body walk to and from school every day. Currently, there are no distinct signs or calming devices in the immediate vicinity which alert drivers to the fact that they are approaching a school. An electronic sign informing vehicles of their speed was installed this school year, but was removed during the school’s winter break without prior notice.
"I have heard the complaints of PS 104 regarding the real potential dangers for the many students who walk to and from school every day. The safety of our children must be a top priority for the City’s Department of Transportation.” said Assemblywoman Stacey Pheffer Amato.
Over the past few years, school administrators and leaders have voiced their concerns directly to the Department of Transportation. A DOT representative even toured the school grounds; however no improvements were implemented following the visit.
"I am greatly concerned about the welfare of our students," said Katie Grady, Principal of PS104. “On a yearly basis one of our students gets hit by a car along with vehicular accidents constantly around the school, it’s unsafe and unacceptable.”
In a letter to the NYC Department of Transportation, Pheffer Amato wrote, “Our students deserve to feel secure when they travel to and from school. I am therefore requesting that the Department of Transportation conduct a traffic study immediately, and implement changes accordingly.”
"As a mother of public school children, and former PTA President, I have experienced firsthand fighting for what schools need, “concluded Pheffer Amato. “I will continue to fight until students at PS 104 are safe.”